Favorite Speed Loader

[busykngt]

I've got a S&W 686 (six shot) and a Taurus Mod 66 (seven shot) revolver.
Been thinking about getting a Speed Loader for one or both and just wondering
if there's a much preferred brand?

[richiecotite]

Safariland comp iii if concealment isn't a huge issue (for the 686)


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[Malamute]

The Safariland Comp II and Comp I also, as available. The Safarilands aren't as sensitive to ammo type as the HKS. A little more complicated, but work well generally.

They should all be considered consumables. You mention "speed loader" in the singular. Get several, when you decide you like them, or which one you like best, get a bunch more, theyll keep forever at room temperature.

[rsa-otc]

My vote is Safariland hands down. I use the Comp III's for competition and Comp II's for carry. I especially like the flutes on top of the comp II's that allow me to index the speedloader so I can easily do a reload without looking down to charge the cylinder (fore finger of the right hand on the speedloader flute and the thumb of the left hand is in the flute of the cylinder. Tip of the forefinger drives to meet the tip of the thumb. Very similar concept to holding your magazine with the tip of the forefinger on the nose of the bullet which allows you to find the magazine well without looking.).

That said I issue the HKS speedload to the rank and file who could care less about training. They hold up better and are easier to use.

[Hizzie]

Preferred? SL Variants. Fast man. $$$$$

[eb07]

Preferred? SL Variants. Fast man. $$$$$

No longer made or imported unfortunately.:mad:

I am liking the five star firearms over all now. A quick phone call and they will make them clockwise release like HKS

[Wheeler]

Safariland Comp 2.

[Sherman A. House DDS]

I like Jetloaders and Safariland.


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[Bigghoss]

I have some safariland comp I and comp II as well as some HKS, all fine. I have noticed that occasionally a round or two might pop out of the Comp's if I let them bang around enough but I don't think it's ever happened while I was actually wearing them in a holder on my belt. A good, stiff, speed-loader pouch in also important.

[busykngt]

Thanks guys; knew I'd get good & experienced recommendations from you guys. I started to buy some HKSs (Midway has them on sale right now). But the last time I got serious about buying some, I thought I recalled reading somewhere, there might be better choices than HKS - so I put the purchase on hold. After reviewing some YouTube videos, I leaning toward the Safariland. Yeah, the SL Variants are hard to get hold of and they're probably a little too rich for me anyway. I'll take a look at the last couple suggestions for good measure before I place an order. Again, thanks guys!


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[Willard]

I have never used these (http://www.5starfirearms.com/Speed-Loading-s/106.htm), but they look like good quality kit. Maybe another member has experience with them. HKS & Safariland is all I've used. Between the two, never had problems with either. HKS seemed more durable, but slower than HKS which was just push with no need to turn (or recall which way to turn). That said, I had plenty of drops onto a concrete range with the Safariland & they never had an issue, so maybe the durability concern was unfounded. For ME, Safariland definitely faster/easier.

[BN]

Safariland. I've had HKS dump all the rounds in a pouch or pocket.

[That Guy]

I have two different types of HKS loaders. My 25-5's dump a round easily, while the exact same ammo stays put in my 29-M's without trouble.

I'm not exactly a serious revolver guy, but thought I'd mention this anyway.

[SamAdams]

S&W Airweight J-frame in a pocket

[coconutdave]

I use Safariland comp III for IDPA and use comp I or comp II for carry, depending on which gun I have on. There is a comp II in my pocket right now.

[busykngt]

Am I missing something about Safariland? After not finding a 7-cylinder version on Amazon, I went to their website and didn't fine one there either (maybe I overlooked it someway?). I was looking for one that fits my Taurus Model 66 (with 7-shot cylinder), in either the Comp II or Comp III version). I did find the correct Safariland models that fit my S&W 686 (6-shot cylinder) - found those in both the Comp II & III versions. My question for you Safariland guys is, do they even make a seven cylinder version?? If not, it looks like I'm back to HKS for the Taurus.


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[JonInWA]

I've found the choice between Safariland and HKS to be somewhat gun-dependent. For example, with my GP100, I prefer Safariland Comp III/Comp II; but for my Security Six, I prefer the HKS. The HKS cylinders are slightly smaller than the Safariland Comp II/Comp I cylinders, if that's a factor with your grips.

This book by Grant Cunningham has a pretty comprehensive review of speedloaders-and is a good book on combat revolvers in general:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12964046-gun-digest-book-of-the-revolver

Best, Jon

[Padwan]

I ran a K-frame and a few J-frames for a while. I settled on Safariland Comp 3s for the K, and Comp 1s for the Js. I tried the HKS speed loaders but I was never able to get as consistent with them vs the Comps.

Never had a failure with the Safarilands but I only ran revolvers for a little over three years.

[coconutdave]

Busykgnt,
I only use 5 and 6 shot revolvers, not sure about 7 shot loaders. Sorry.

[NEPAKevin]

Last I heard, HKS and Maxfire were about it for seven shot revolver speedloaders. S&W's seven bangers can be machined to use moon clips but IIRC, Tauri are a no go.

[DAL357]

I have HKS and Safariland Comp II and III speedloaders (if this isn't a compound word, it should be) and my personal favorite is the Comp III, at least for IDPA. I've only had them for about a month, but they are extremely fast. Never having seen the fabled SL Variants other than on YouTube, I'll just keep using the Comp IIIs and be happy with them.

[L-2]

Besides HKS and Safariland, I've also got speedloaders from:

http://www.speedbeez.com

and

http://www.5starfirearms.com

[BN]

I like Bubberized Comp 3 speedloaders. ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgvCGcD-FAg

[DAL357]

I like Bubberized Comp 3 speedloaders. ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgvCGcD-FAg
Fast! But I couldn't tell from the video what you meant by "Bubberized;" could you please elaborate?

[coconutdave]

Wow! That is fast. What did you do to those loaders?

[BN]

Fast! But I couldn't tell from the video what you meant by "Bubberized;" could you please elaborate?

The speed loader in my avatar has been Bubberized. You cut away some of the body and fill the hole on the end so the rounds release sooner and don't hang up on the speed loader body.

Directions and comments here: http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=27520&hl=Bubber

[Hizzie]

No longer made or imported unfortunately.:mad:

I am liking the five star firearms over all now. A quick phone call and they will make them clockwise release like HKS

Just bought 3 of the 277's for my 44 magnum Rugers.

JetLoaders are nice too. Bonus is that they make them in a 5 shot J frame size.

[Hizzie]

:cool:
9051

[deputyG23]

I have used HKS loaders for thirty-plus years for duty and range work. No issues with them in my hands. I wouldn't mind trying the Safariland loaders, but never see them for sale locally or at gun shows.

[OlongJohnson]

Just thought I'd come along here and share the good news. Bought 3x K and 3x L Jet Loaders in new and nearly new condition on Fleabay for about $10 each this morning. Makes the last 500 mornings of having to delete a useless email about jet boat drive parts kinda worth it.

[WheelGunMan]

I currently have HKS for my SP101 and Security Six... 5 Star for my .22WMR...I've decided to go with a Ruger LCR 9MM and moonclips.

[TicTacticalTimmy]

https://cktactical.com/instructions-%26-models

Anyone used one of these? Looks interesting and only $5 each

[sharps54]

I currently have HKS for my SP101 and Security Six... 5 Star for my .22WMR...I've decided to go with a Ruger LCR 9MM and moonclips.

How are you carrying the reloads for the LCR 9mm? In my experience moon clips get bent too easily to trust them for reloads. My 442s are cut for moon clips but I only use them for the initial load after making sure they aren’t bent by test spinning them in my 649. I use Comp I and speedstrips for reloads.

[WheelGunMan]

How are you carrying the reloads for the LCR 9mm? In my experience moon clips get bent too easily to trust them for reloads. My 442s are cut for moon clips but I only use them for the initial load after making sure they aren’t bent by test spinning them in my 649. I use Comp I and speedstrips for reloads.

I am in the process of procurring an LCR 9MM.. this process will take me a few months as I'll be out of state.

I have a double HKS speedloader belt pouch. From what I understand 2 loaded 9MM 5 shot moonclips will fit in each pouch...so I will be able to effectively carry 20 spare rounds with me.

[TicTacticalTimmy]

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/11/09/ck-tacticals-new-ripcord-speedloader-for-revolvers/

Here's an article and video on the new speedloader I mentioned

[RevolverRob]

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/11/09/ck-tacticals-new-ripcord-speedloader-for-revolvers/

Here's an article and video on the new speedloader I mentioned

I’ll take a hard pass. For a few reasons.

First, I am not an advocate of any reloader that requires you to apply lateral force to an open cylinder. That is one bad (or good) tug away from bending the crane or damaging the yoke, rendering the gun totally out of service. This is where Maxfires most often cause issues.

Second, none of the reloading techniques shown there, are ones I personally use. I’m a “universal revolver reload” guy, holding the gun with the weak hand and loading with the strong (right handed).

Three, I don’t like the cylinder spinning freely like a top. Don’t keep the gun at 75-degrees+ vertical you’re going to sling your ammo right out of the cylinder. Which means the margin for error is lower. Than with a speedloader. We still get issues loading from speed loaders when we don’t stay at least 45-degrees or more from horizontal.

For quick reloads, we use a good quality speedloader. For administrative loading, we use loops, a 2x2x2 pouch, or a speed strip. I’ve become an advocate for the 8-round quick strips for 5 or 6 shot guns. They’re loaded - round-round-space-space-round-round-space-round. Or if a 6-round gun a space between every two rounds, this gives you extra room for your fingers to grip the strip and work it. Which makes for a decently fast load, overall.

The ‘rip cord” also doesn’t negate the problem with speed loaders, which is their circumference (not height), hence why speed strips are popular. While I forsee it having all of the same problems as other flexible loaders.

[Bucky]

How are you carrying the reloads for the LCR 9mm? In my experience moon clips get bent too easily to trust them for reloads. My 442s are cut for moon clips but I only use them for the initial load after making sure they aren’t bent by test spinning them in my 649. I use Comp I and speedstrips for reloads.

If there was enough of a demand, I wonder if someone could make a moon clip that was more durable? I mean, if you had one that was virtually impossible to bend, would you pay $25 a piece? That’s the average cost of a common magazine.

[Screwball]

How are you carrying the reloads for the LCR 9mm? In my experience moon clips get bent too easily to trust them for reloads. My 442s are cut for moon clips but I only use them for the initial load after making sure they aren’t bent by test spinning them in my 649.

I see that complaint a lot about moonclips... but really only see them bending during loading/unloading. I recommend the BMT loader for that. Expensive, but worth it.

I did look at a lot of different carry methods for S&W 9mm J-frame moonclips. Originally, worried about bending... but eventually came into debris making its way into the loaded clip (had a thread tangle up one in a cargo pocket really bad). For pocket carry, I go with Del Fatti carriers. Easy to orientate, and the center button allows me to get the moonclip out and ready for reload very quickly. For belt carry, I have ones from Revolver Supply... but they aren’t that concealable. Ruger sells carriers... but they just were too hard to come up with a method of carry.

For speedloaders, back when I carried my 642-1 in .38... I used HKS. To me, they were the most durable and got proficient with them. But converting to 9mm... moonclips are definitely for the win.

[sharps54]

My experience with moonclips is mainly from shooting a 625 in IDPA around 15 years ago. I have a pair of 442s that are cut for clips but don’t use them preferring Safariland Comp I speedloaders and speedstrips. I do agree with Scewball that in normal handling loading/unloading is when they are most likely to be bent. That said “normal handling” and self defense go together like “routine” and traffic stop.

If you get into a physical fight will your moon clip holder keep them from being bent as you roll around on the concrete?
That’s the issue, a revolver is already a low capacity weapon and if you have to use moon clips they have to be sturdy enough to survive that kind of abuse. If my .38’s speedloader is broken I can still load loose rounds. If a moon clip is bent and you don’t notice you’ll end up with a tied up revolver at the worse possible moment.

Maybe all that is far fetched but the possibility is enough for me to stick with rimmed cartridges in my defensive revolvers.

[Screwball]

If you get into a physical fight will your moon clip holder keep them from being bent as you roll around on the concrete?

https://i.imgur.com/bUDnXNv.jpg

I’d put it probably as likely as feed lips/body on a metal magazine being bent/dented in a pouch, due to an impact.

Never had one of those holders get tangled, damaged, or release the clip in my pocket. Reloads are pretty easy, and noticeably faster than working my HKS. Good thing to have my old .38 cylinder, as I sort of have a 642-1 convertible... and can realistically switch calibers without .38s sticking in the 9mm cylinder (converted by Pinnacle).

The rod belt ones from Revolver Supply... probably a better chance of damage over those.

To me, quality clips with a good method of carry (I remember researching it on other forums, and found A LOT of people just toss the moonclips in their pockets) give you similar reliability as regular magazines. Magazines are the lifeline of a semi-auto, and when I carry one, I try to carry at least one other reload (preferably two). Speedloaders... I would carry two due to size. 9mm moonclips, I carry three.

[sharps54]

Screwball that does look pretty sturdy and after researching I see folks saying the LCR will fire loose rounds fine so I suppose I’m being overly cautious. I know you would have to probably manually knock out the cases if you shoot loose 9mm but multiple reloads are very unlikely for the use case of these revolvers.

Does the LCR have an administrative way to turn the cylinder without firing? In a revolver with a hammer you can pull the hammer back and spin the cylinder to ensure the clip doesn’t bind, I used to do this with every clip after loading them with the 625. That kept me from having a nasty surprise on a stage and I would want to do it with any moon clip I carried as a reload.

[Screwball]

I know the LCR is able to fire 9mm without clips, but as you said, will have to poke out the rounds. For a clip being carried in the gun, I wouldn’t have any hesitation that it wouldn’t be fine. Eject the first group out as a clip. If someone didn’t want to carry loaded moonclips, you’d have an empty gun to reload with a clip of empties (or empties/live rounds). I’m sure there are speed strips that hold five 9mm.

For the LCR... no idea. I only compared my father’s .357 LCR to my 642-1 once (stainless framed LCRs are A LOT heavier). It is a vastly different trigger pull, so your guess is as good as mine. Likely could do it on an LCRx, but not sure.

I’ve tried doing it with my 642-1 and snap caps, but not really too comfortable holding back the trigger slightly to unlock the cylinder (I’d definitely consider others opinion on this, but just seems too much risk of ND). Personally, I’d think you’d have a hard enough time getting the rounds into the cylinder with a bent clip... as well as closing the cylinder.

But goes back to care with the moonclips. Those not familiar with the BMT loader (at least the 9mm ones... rimmed calibers are slightly different), it is a shoot for your rounds to travel, which goes towards a crank that you place your clip is held by a magnet. If done right, you rotate the crank as your rounds get loaded on the clip (unloads by flipping the base over and rotating the crank on that side; empties just fly off). If the clip is bent, you aren’t easily going to load it, as the clip will not be in line with the extractor groove. It feels so easy with unbent clips that you’d notice something is up.

[sharps54]

When I bought my 442’s (factory cut for moon clips) I did play with them a bit but I have a 649 so I had a J frame with a hammer to manipulate when testing if the cylinder would spin.

That BMT loader sounds like the way to go. Use it and carry a 9mm speedstrip as a backup and the 9mm stub does sound a lot more reasonable.

[Chuck Whitlock]

I’ve tried doing it with my 642-1 and snap caps, but not really too comfortable holding back the trigger slightly to unlock the cylinder (I’d definitely consider others opinion on this, but just seems too much risk of ND). Personally, I’d think you’d have a hard enough time getting the rounds into the cylinder with a bent clip... as well as closing the cylinder.


The only way I can think of to do this with a "hammerless" wheelgun is to put your middle finger behind the trigger as you apply pressure with your trigger finger. Hopefully, it will allow you to depress the trigger enough to release the bolt and rotate the cylinder, but would be largely dependent on how thick your finger is. I'd be doubly sure of a safe backstop as well.

[Screwball]

The only way I can think of to do this with a "hammerless" wheelgun is to put your middle finger behind the trigger as you apply pressure with your trigger finger. Hopefully, it will allow you to depress the trigger enough to release the bolt and rotate the cylinder, but would be largely dependent on how thick your finger is. I'd be doubly sure of a safe backstop as well.

Just tried it with my 642-1...

Need to use my pinky, but can work. Still not too fond of it, but can see it being better than just lightly holding the trigger.